Beatles gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments
from Stage to Studio"
Andy Babiuk
256 pages, Backbeat Books; Revised edition (October 1, 2002)

Featuring many previously unseen photographs, this limited run of 1,500 hardcover books has been issued to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of "The Beatles"' first Parlophone single, "Love Me Do", and autographed by author "Andy Babiuk".

From Andy Babiuk's Fab Gear page:
"This book is the first to tell the full story of how "The Beatles" made their music. It details exactly which guitars, drums, amplifiers and keyboards "The Beatles" used at the key points of their relatively brief but entirely revolutionary career…from the formation of "The Quarry Men" skiffle group in the 1950s to the dissolution of "The Beatles" in 1970.


It provides a fascinating fresh insight into Beatle history from an entirely new viewpoint, and along the way many myths are exploded and dozens of stories told for the first time.
John, Paul, George and Ringo's moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology is carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy to read narrative, fully illustrated with many unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed actual Beatle instruments.

This landmark book is perfect for the fan absorbed by music rather than hairstyles, for the tribute band member with an eye for detail, and for any reader with an abiding interest in the 1960s.
At last, "Beatles Gear" gets right inside the music. More than this, the book paints a vivid picture of the times, presenting new interviews with the people who made, sold and looked after the band's gear. With Beatles albums still selling at the rate of thousands a day throughout the world, and renewed industry interest in the value of the band's published portfolio, "Beatles Gear" arrives on the market with perfect timing.
Hundreds of photographs, many never before seen, will be a revelation to even the most informed Beatles enthusiast. Also shown in luscious quality throughout the book are 26 of the group's original instruments, still owned by ex-members of "The Beatles" or their heirs...from George's Psychedelic Stratocaster to John's "Bed In Gibson", and Ringo's roof top Ludwig kit to Paul's Hofner violin bass.

And while many other items used by the group have been lost, broken or damaged, exhaustive research has allowed the presentation here of 43 virtually exact duplicates of otherwise defunct Beatle instruments and gear. Prime advertising and publicity material provide an extra flavour of the period and complete this unique examination of the sound of the Fab Four.
The Beatles have had an unparalleled influence on the music of the past 40 years. And still today much rock music lends a retro ear to the group's distinctive sounds and unique orchestrations not to mention the many tribute bands around the world who keep the flame burning. This fascinating documentary will become required reading for anyone keen to gain an expert's inside knowledge of "The Beatles" sound".